The Memphis Safe Task Force (MSTF) averaged about 28 arrests per day throughout August, according to the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), which said more than 850 alleged criminals were taken off the streets by task force members.
A USMS press release sent Monday said task force members made 853 arrests last month, averaging about 27.5 per day. As a result of the arrests, the MSTF also seized 118 illegal firearms, or about 3.8 per day.
Of those arrested in August, the Marshals said 122 were known gang members, while 50 were juveniles.
The most common reason for arrest offered by the USMS was firearms violations, which the agency listed as the reason for 74 of the 853 arrests. An additional 50 were wanted for crimes involving controlled substances, 14 were suspected of homicide, and 11 were wanted for sex offenses.
“The Memphis Safe Task Force remains committed to its mission to protect the citizens of Memphis by arresting and holding accountable those who pose a threat to public safety,” said Tyreece Miller, the U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Tennessee.
Miller stated, “Every arrest made and every gun recovered contributes to that mission. I commend the men and women who have dedicated themselves to this endeavor and who are making a difference in the lives of this community.”
Although the September 1 press release does not include the latest figure, the federal authorities said on August 26 that MSTF members had made a total of 12,105 arrests since the force was deployed in late September 2025.
The agency announced that task force members had completed more than 10,000 arrests in June.
Within months of the MSTF’s deployment to Memphis, Mayor Paul Young said the city recorded its lowest crime rate since at least 2001. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) later confirmed the accuracy of the data.
The Tennessee General Assembly has additionally passed the Memphis Safe Task Force Accountability Act, which was signed into law by Governor Bill Lee earlier this year, requiring Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy to provide an explanation any time his office declines to prosecute, enters into a plea agreement, reduces charges, or makes similar decisions on cases brought to his office through the task force.
Mulroy is required to send the reports to the Tennessee General Assembly, Governor Bill Lee, the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee.
U.S. Attorney Michael Dunavant confirmed in April that he will review the reports submitted by Mulroy.
– – –
Tom Pappert is a 2025 recipient of the Dao Prize and the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star. He also reports for the Star News Network. Follow Tom on X. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Memphis Safe Task Force” by Tennessee National Guard.
